31 DAYS TO A WISER YOU: Proverbs Chapter 4

Photo courtesy of himynameistiffany

Review
This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.

Theme

In chapter four, I clearly read of the value of having goals and of moving towards them (vs 11-12, 14-15, 25-27).  Over and over again, Solomon stresses setting goals that are focused on what's right in God's eyes, and then constantly working along the course of action He has for us.  We can all do what's proper when life is easy - it's when our life gets turned upside down that we especially need to focus on what's right.  That's where having clearly defined goals makes life easier - the path has already been determined.  All we are left to do is to keep heading in the proper direction.

In 1 Kings 3, we read of a conversation between the Almighty LORD and King Solomon. In verse 5 God asks the young king, "What do you want?  Ask, and I will give it to you!" Think of that for a moment - Solomon could have asked for anything, and what does he choose?  Wealth?  Peace?  Happiness?  No, he asks God for an "understanding heart" - wisdom to know how to lead his people, and to know the difference between right and wrong.

Solomon had a plan - he wanted to be the best leader possible in the King's service.  He wanted to consistently render justice equally, provide for the nation he was leading, and bring honor to God.  How did that turn out for Solomon?  In 1 Kings 3:13 God states that "No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life!"  Later on in the same chapter, verse 28 states that the "people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him for rendering justice."

What goals are you presently striving towards?  What have you recently asked God to grant you?  Are you goals and wishes for His service, or selfishly focused on you?

Key Verses For Me

Proverbs 4:25-27 - Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.  Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.  don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Quote

"Goals are dreams with deadlines." ~ Diana Scharf Hunt

Related Scripture

James 4:2C - Yet you don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it.

2 Chronicles 15:7 - But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded. 

Prayer

Father, may my time here on earth be pleasing to You.  May the moments that You graciously grant me be spent in honoring You and not myself.  May my time be focused on the plan You have for me, and my focus remain on attaining the goals You have ordained for my life.

So what verse(s) stick out to you and why? 

31 DAYS TO A WISER YOU: Proverbs Chapter 3

Photo courtesy of Duncan

Review
This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.


Theme
It's in chapter 3 that specifies what the benefits are of learning from, and living out, what Solomon is compiling for us readers.  Six things really catch my eye in this chapter, and each of these topics are something that I believe we are all looking for in life.  They are - 

1. A long and satisfying life (vs. 2)
2. His guidance and direction (vs. 6)
3. Strong mental and physical health (vs. 8)
4. A blessed, prosperous life (vs. 10)
5. Safety (vs. 23)
6. A peaceful life (vs. 24-26)  

I would dare say that just about every worry, fear and night of lost sleep is directly related to one of these 6 topics.  For me personally, each of these things are appealing, however, in order to receive these blessings, I must each give up something that I normally hold close to my heart - control.  I bet several of us struggle with that. So many times, we try to find or create perfection on our own.  The problem is that without giving the Father complete control, we tend to just make a mess of the situation.  The result is usually less than satisfactory.  Was it adequate?  Possibly.  Does it compare to what is in store for us when we allow God to guide us and live out HIS plans for our lives?  Absolutely not.  

If you want to gain the world, let go of everything that blocks Him out.

Key Verse For Me

Proverbs 3:26 - For the LORD is your security.  He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Quote

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." - C. S. Lewis

Related Scriptures

Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

I Peter 5:7 - Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, may I contstantly give You control, wait on your guidance, and listen to Your advice.  Help me continue to die to myself to gain the life You have for me.